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Chapter 3
About Respirators and Fit Testing
The conventional way to quantitatively fit test is through the use of probed
test respirators, but fit tests can also be performed on disposable respirators
and positive pressure respirators. This chapter discusses the types of
respirators and provides instructions on installing a sampling port to a
disposable filtering-facepiece.
Probed Test Respirators
A probed respirator has a fitting (probe) installed that allows air from inside
the respirator to be sampled by an instrument like the P
ORTA
C
OUNT
®
P
RO
fit
tester. The probed respirator is only used for fit testing and cannot legally be
used in a hazardous environment. You will need at least one respirator of
each make, model and size your company issues. After the fit test, the
individual should be issued a respirator with the identical facepiece, only
without the probe.
Most probed respirators are obtained from the respirator manufacturer or
distributor. You should be able to buy probed versions of most if not all
models. Be sure to buy class-100 or class-99 filters also if you don't already
stock them. You must use class-100, class-99, or P3 filters for fit testing
even if you use another type of cartridge in the workplace.
